PayPal is set to launch an ad network that will leverage the vast amount of data it collects on users’ spending habits. The move aims to drive growth by utilizing the insights gathered from tracking purchases and broader consumer behavior. With the appointment of Mark Grether, former head of Uber’s advertising division, as the senior VP and general manager of its Ads division, PayPal is gearing up to capitalize on this new venture.
On another front, OpenAI is establishing a Safety and Security Committee to oversee critical decisions related to the training of its latest model. Led by CEO Sam Altman and with the participation of directors Bret Taylor, Adam D’Angelo, and Nicole Seligman, the committee will evaluate and refine safety protocols over the next 90 days. Recommendations will then be shared with the company’s Board for review before being made public.
Meanwhile, Google is making significant investments in the APAC region by injecting $350m into Flipkart, a leading Indian e-commerce platform owned by Walmart. This move is part of a larger funding round totaling nearly $1bn, with Walmart having already contributed a substantial amount last year. Flipkart’s dominant position in the Indian e-commerce market makes it an attractive target for Google’s e-commerce expansion strategy.
In other news, Kinesso’s Madelin Farrington discusses Netflix’s new ad server, Google’s AI-enhanced search capabilities, and the evolving landscape of AI in journalism. Additionally, a recent report by IAS sheds light on the state of brand safety in Singapore, underscoring the importance of digital advertising safeguards in the vibrant Southeast Asian market. Additionally, IMPACT+ appoints Séverine Loeuille, formerly of Converteo, to head its marketing team, signaling a new chapter in the global sustaintech platform’s growth trajectory.
